Introducing the Latest Additions to our ColorChecker Family!

by Dave Mobbs – June 18th, 2019

Can you believe it’s been over 40 years since the original ColorChecker Classic was created? Since then the Classic has been instrumental in helping photographers and filmmakers ensure that their color is perfect from the moment they capture the image.

Over the years, the ColorChecker line up has evolved from the original Classic, to the ColorChecker Digital SG, and onto the pocket-sized ColorChecker Passport Photo 2, which has recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary. It wasn’t until 2017 that X-Rite developed the ColorChecker Video range following increased interest from filmmakers, amateurs and professionals alike, demanding enhanced colour precision and accuracy within their shoots.

A common request that we’ve received over the years is for niche solutions for long distance and macro photographers. These professionals require a completely different size target in order to capture it more effectively within the frame. It’s for this reason that we are proud to announce the new, industry-first additions to our ColorChecker family: the ColorChecker Nano, ColorChecker Mini, ColorChecker Classic XL, ColorChecker Classic MEGA and ColorChecker Video MEGA.

ColorChecker Nano:

The perfect tool for those extremely small or close-up projects, the Nano version of the Classic is only 24 x 40mm in size. It provides a precise color reference for the tightest or most close-up shots.

ColorChecker Mini:

The color reference target that takes up as little room as possible in the image area. The ColorChecker Mini target is 1/8 of the size of the Classic standard at just 63 x 108mm.

ColorChecker Classic XL and Video XL:

This is a larger version of the Classic for when you need to shoot at a greater distance. You can use it at an outdoor event, on a larger set, or for drone photography, with a target size of 53.5 x 37.5cm. There is also a ColorChecker Video XL, based on the popular ColorChecker Video chart, which is currently available for filmmakers. These charts are available with an optional case or sleeve for added protection on location or in storage.

ColorChecker Classic MEGA and ColorChecker Video MEGA:

The MEGA version is for those applications that require the target to be at an extreme distance from the camera. This would come in handy on large sets, for example. You will still be able to be imaged with enough resolution to be useable for making corrections. Target size is an incredible 152 x 102cm.

We asked some of our amazing Coloratti to reveal how they use these new charts within their workflow. Here’s what they had to say:

Joan Boira

“The new ColorChecker charts allow you to make color profiles in more complex conditions. By having a larger size than the Classic target, we can use them from further distances or for macro photography we can shoot them closer without having to modify the distance between the plane of the subject and the camera.

With the large ColorChecker we can take a picture at a great distance between the camera and the subject you want to photograph with high precision.

Martin Dorsch

“Correct color is not only important in “classic” photography and videography but in other areas, too. A ColorChecker target is very relevant for anybody that cares about accurate color. The size of the ColorChecker XL is a decisive advantage when shooting with drones. Thus, you can take the profiling image from a distance, which saves you time and sometimes risky flight manoeuvres.”

Ratko Asanovic

“Since the main intention of this ColorChecker Classic XL is for distance photography and drones I can use it for landscape, architecture, fashion, urban photography, interiors projects, etc. Personally, I do a lot of landscape photography, and based on my time spent with this chart, I find it very useful.”

Neil Snape

“Having spent most of my time in advertising and editorial photography specialising in still life, I can say that an X-Rite ColorChecker Nano greatly simplifies assuring a color correct workflow from input to finish. The results are inline with the bigger chart, yet it is small, making the X-Rite ColorChecker Nano very practical for this purpose.“

About the ColorChecker

The ColorChecker target is an array of 24 scientifically-formulated colors that has been the leading industry color reference target for more than 40 years. It is designed to deliver true-to-life color reproduction, so that photographers and filmmakers can predict and control how colour will look under any illumination. Use the ColorChecker to create custom camera and scanner profiles, color grade video footage or use as a visual reference.

Each of the 24 colors found in ColorChecker represents the actual color of natural objects, such as human skin tone, foliage and blue sky. It reflects light just like its real-world counterpart. Since these colors exemplify the color of their counterparts in the natural world, they reflect light the same way in all parts of the visible spectrum. Therefore, the squares will match the colors of representative samples of natural objects under any illumination, and with any color reproduction process. Each solid patch is formulated individually to produce a pure, flat, rich color.

Now even more powerful: create both custom ICC and DNG camera profiles!

Color perfectionists have been using ColorChecker targets for the past decade to create custom DNG profiles for Adobe Lightroom® and Photoshop® workflows. Now you can also build custom ICC camera profiles for use in Capture One® (or other ICC compatible software) when you combine ColorChecker with X-Rite ColorChecker Camera Calibration software.You’ll get accurate color at capture based on specific lighting, camera and lens combination during any given shoot, saving valuable time in edit.

With more color science experience than anyone in the industry, the ColorChecker was truly created by Color Perfectionists for Color Perfectionists.